St. Norbert College

Commencement is the pinnacle of our students’ academic careers. Of course, none of our graduates achieve their college goals alone. We look forward to welcoming hundreds of family members and friends to campus each year to join in the celebration of our graduates’ achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need tickets for Commencement?
No, you do not need tickets for Commencement, but to ensure seating for all, we request that each graduate's family restrict itself to six family members and/or friends. Please impose this restriction yourself so all family and friends of graduates can enjoy the Commencement exercise.

What if we have more than six people who want to attend?
The Commencement ceremony will be broadcast live in three overflow seating locations: the Fort Howard Theater in the Bemis International Center, the Mulva Library presentation room, and the lower level lounge in the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center.

How early should we arrive at the Schuldes Sports Center for the Commencement ceremony?
Seating is on a first-come basis. You may wish to have someone in Schuldes Sports Center hold up to six seats if you desire a specific location. The arena will open at noon after Mass. Please be seated by 1:20 p.m.

Will you have special seating for persons with disabilities?
Guests using wheelchairs or others who need special accommodations are asked to call 920-403-4034 no later than one week prior to the ceremony to reserve space in the section for those with disabilities. The first rows of the center section will be clearly marked, and ushers will be available to assist. Limited space precludes no more than one companion with each person requiring special accommodation in this section. Additional seating for guests with limited mobility or difficulty sitting on folding chairs is available in the Mulva Library presentation room, which is accessible, air conditioned and furnished with soft seating.

On our arrival to campus, where can we park?
All campus parking lots are available for Commencement parking. Handicapped parking is available in lots P7 and P5. Vehicles must have a handicapped permit displayed. Please refer to the campus parking map.

Some city streets will be available for parking. Please park properly and legally. Street parking requires a four-foot set-back from driveway entrances. Please cooperate in allowing emergency vehicle access by not parking on the dead-end streets south of campus. Also, the college asks your cooperation in not parking on college-owned or public lawns in the neighborhood before or after Commencement.

How long is the Commencement ceremony?The Commencement ceremony will last approximately two hours.

In what order will the graduates proceed into the Schuldes Sports Center?The Commencement procession will enter from the back of the arena promptly at 1:30 p.m. in the following order:

ROTC Color Guard

Faculty

Masters (Graduates)

Seniors (Graduates)

St. Norbert College Trustees

Ceremony Participants

Graduates will enter in columns of two:

Master’s degree and BA graduates on south side of aisle (right as looking at stage)

BBA, BM, BS and BSN graduates on North side of aisle (left as looking at stage)

For exiting, the ceremony participants will leave first, followed by the faculty and the new St. Norbert College alumni. The arena lights will be on so you can take pictures of the graduates in procession.

Will a professional photographer take pictures as diplomas are distributed or will I be allowed to take pictures from in front of the stage?
The college photographer will capture the moment of each graduate being congratulated by President Thomas Kunkel. This color photo is free and will be mailed to each graduate in early June, along with a form to order extra prints for a nominal fee.

You may also take your own photos, but because of the number of graduates, we ask for your cooperation. Ushers will be in the area just to the left of the stage and will help you get positioned for a good photo just before your graduate crosses the stage. Please return to your seat immediately after taking your photos.

Will Commencement be televised?
No.

Will Commencement be streamed live on the internet?
Yes, the Baccalaureate Mass will be streamed at 9:15 a.m. and the Commencement ceremony will be streamed at 1:30 p.m. Just follow the "Live Stream" link on the Commencement home page. Both events will also be broadcast in three overflow seating locations: the Fort Howard Theater in the Bemis International Center, the Mulva Library presentation room and the lower level lounge in the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center.

Will there be a first aid station at Commencement?
First aid will be available in the Schuldes Sports Center conference room during Commencement. This station is staffed by a St. Norbert College nurse. Wheelchairs are available.

Is smoking allowed on campus?
Smoking is not permitted in any college building. Smoking is permitted outside the Sports Center only.